Shelf with integral bracing

ABSTRACT

A shelf assembly is provided in which the shelf has a horizontal surface for supporting a load, at least one fixation extension above the horizontal surface, at least one fixation element at the at least one fixation extension for fixing the shelf assembly to a mounting surface, and at least one bracing extension below the horizontal surface for bracing the shelf assembly against the mounting surface. When installed on a mounting surface, the fixation element is at least partially in tension and the bracing extension is in compression.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/837,543, filed on Apr. 23, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shelf that is designed to bear a load without a permanent installation.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of shelving designed for temporary and non-damaging installations exist. Such shelves may be designed for installation on a window surface, for example. Similarly, such shelves may be designed for installation on a wall without damaging the wall.

Such shelves include a fixation mechanism for temporarily fixing the shelf to a mounting surface. In the case of a window, mirror, or other glass or otherwise smooth surface, the fixation mechanism may be suction cups. In the case of a wall surface, such a fixation mechanism may be a non-permanent adhesive.

Further, if a user wishes to install a shelf on a window or a mirror, even a permanent or semi-permanent installation must be non-damaging, as a user cannot drill into a window surface. Accordingly, if a user wishes to install a planter, for example, on a window surface, a shelf designed for a non-damaging installation must be used.

Such shelves designed for temporary or otherwise non-damaging installations typically have very low load capacities, and are often unstable. In the case of window and mirror installations, suction cups can provide a limited amount of force in tension. Further, when existing suction cup shelves are loaded, they tend to sag and lean forward while pulling against the suction cup fixations.

There is a need for a shelf designed to be installed on a surface without damaging the underlying surface. There is a further need for such a shelf to have a structure that can maintain the shelf horizontally under load, and that can increase the maximum load of the shelf relative to the force of the suction cups.

SUMMARY

A shelf assembly is provided in which the shelf has a horizontal surface for supporting a load, at least one fixation extension above the horizontal surface, at least one fixation element at the at least one fixation extension for fixing the shelf assembly to a mounting surface, and at least one bracing extension below the horizontal surface for bracing the shelf assembly against the mounting surface. When installed on a mounting surface, the fixation element is at least partially in tension and the bracing extension is in compression.

In some embodiments, the shelf assembly has a plurality of fixation elements, with each located at a single fixation extension. Typically, the fixation elements are non-damaging and/or non-permanent. Such a fixation element may be a suction cup, which may be clear.

The bracing extension may be a plurality of bracing extensions located at regular intervals along a length of the shelf. In some embodiment, the bracing extension may be two bracing extensions located at opposite ends of a length of the shelf.

In some embodiments, the fixation extension may be a single fixation panel running perpendicular to the horizontal surface and parallel the length of the shelf.

The bracing extensions may extend at least partially behind the fixation extension. The bracing extension may run perpendicular the horizontal surface and parallel a depth of the shelf. Such a bracing extension may have a diagonal lower edge, such that it extends further below the horizontal surface at a back edge of the shelf than at a front edge of the shelf. The bracing extensions may further extend above the horizontal surface and form sidewalls for the shelf.

In some embodiments, one of the bracing extensions may include a notched opening above the horizontal surface for retaining a cable.

In some embodiments, the bracing extensions may include an opening below the horizontal surface for locating an accessory.

In some embodiments, components of the shelf assembly are formed from clear materials. This may include all components of the shelf, or it may include only the fixation elements and fixation extension, while the horizontal surface and the bracing extensions are formed from opaque materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shelf in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the shelf of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the shelf of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the shelf of FIG. 1 with the suction cups removed.

FIG. 5 is a bending moment diagram showing bending moments on the shelf of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a shelf in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a third embodiment of a shelf in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a shelf in accordance with this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

This disclosure describes the best mode or modes of practicing the invention as presently contemplated. This description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but provides an example of the invention presented solely for illustrative purposes by reference to the accompanying drawings to advise one of ordinary skill in the art of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shelf 100 in accordance with this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side view and FIG. 3 is a top view of the shelf 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a front view of the shelf 100 of FIG. 1 with suction cups 140 removed.

As shown, the shelf 100, also referred to occasionally herein as a shelf assembly, has a horizontal surface 110 for supporting a load, a fixation extension 120 extending above the horizontal surface, and at least one bracing extension 130 extending below the horizontal surface.

The fixation extension 120 is provide with fixation elements 140 for fixing the shelf 100 to a mounting surface. These fixation elements 140 may be, for example, suction cups, as shown. Alternatively, the fixation elements 140 may include other removable or non-damaging fixation mechanisms, such as removable adhesives. In some embodiments, an installation may be partially permanent, such that a mounting element is mounted on the mounting surface, and the fixation element 140 mates with the mounting element.

The bracing extension 130 extends below the horizontal surface 110 and braces the shelf 100 against the mounting surface. As shown, the bracing extension 130 typically comprises multiple bracing extensions located at opposite ends of a length 150 of the horizontal surface 110. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 5, additional bracing extensions 130 may be provided and located at regular intervals along the length 150 of the horizontal surface 110.

When the shelf 100 is installed on the mounting surface, the fixation elements 140 at the fixation extension 120 is at least partially in tension, and the bracing extension 130 is at least partially in compression. This effect is enhanced when loads are placed on the horizontal surface 110 of the shelf, as such a load will apply a moment of force to the shelf assembly 100 as a whole. Such a moment will increase the tension on the fixation elements 140 and increase the compressive force on the bracing extensions 130. The compressive force on the bracing extensions 130 may be applied at a downward angle relative to the horizontal surface 110, while the tension in the fixation elements 140 may be in combination with a sheer force pulling the shelf assembly 100 as a whole downwards.

In the embodiment shown, a single fixation extension 120 is provided with four suction cups 140 used as the fixation elements. The suction cups 140 are located at and mounted on the single fixation extension 120. The fixation extension 120 may therefore be a single fixation panel running perpendicular the horizontal surface 110 and parallel the length 150 of the shelf 100. As such, the fixation extension 120 may be mounted at a back edge of the horizontal surface 110 and form a right angle with the horizontal surface of the shelf 100.

Further, the suction cups 140, or other fixation elements, may be removable from the fixation extension 120. In this way, they may be easily replaceable as wear parts. As shown in FIG. 4, the shelf 100 may then be provided and shown with suction cup mounting locations 145 and without the suction cups 140 installed.

Further, the suction cups 140 may be located such that the entirety of the suction cup is behind the fixation extension 120, and is therefore not visible above a top edge of such an extension when viewed from the front.

While a single fixation extension 120 is shown, it is understood that multiple fixation extensions may be provided. For example, a distinct fixation extension may be provided for supporting each independent fixation element 140.

As shown, the bracing extensions 130 may be a pair of bracing extensions extending from a corresponding end of the length 150 of the shelf 100. As discussed above, the fixation extension 120 extends from the back edge of the horizontal surface 110 of the shelf 100. Segments 160 of the bracing extensions 130 may extend behind the back edge of the horizontal surface 110, such that the segments extend at least partially behind the fixation extension 120.

When installed, the suction cups 140 may have a thickness, and the bracing extensions 130 may extend behind the back edge sufficiently such that a depth of the extending segment 160 is substantially equal to the thickness of the suction cups. In this way, the installed shelf 100 has the suction cups 140 aligned with a back edge of the bracing extensions 130.

The bracing extensions 120 may be substantially triangular, or may have a triangular portion extending below the horizontal surface 110. As shown, each bracing extension 120 may then be installed perpendicular to the horizontal surface 110 and parallel a depth of the shelf 100, and may be provided with a diagonal lower edge 170. The lower edge may then extend further below the horizontal surface 110 at the back edge of the shelf 100 than at a front edge of the shelf.

At least some of the bracing extensions 130 may also extend partially above the horizontal surface 110 of the shelf 100, and may therefore form sidewalls 180 for the shelf.

The shelf 100 may be installed, using suction cups, on a window as a mounting surface. Such an installation allows the shelf 100 to be used as a planter or for supporting a planter, and may thereby locate plants directly adjacent a window, thereby exposing the plants to sunlight. In some embodiments, the suction cups 140 or other fixation elements are clear and the fixation extension 120 is clear, such that light can pass through those elements and provide light to the plants. Similarly, the bracing extension 130 and the horizontal surface 110 may be formed form clear materials. Alternatively, the horizontal surface and the bracing extension may be formed from opaque materials, thereby creating a contrasting aesthetic between the elements.

FIG. 5 is a bending moment diagram showing bending moments on the shelf 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, the shelf 100 typically supports a load which applies a downward force 400 to the horizontal surface 110 of the shelf. As a result of the combined weight of the load 400 and the shelf itself, both a rotational moment and a downward force are applied to the suction cups 140, resulting in tension 410 and sheer forces 420.

The bracing extensions 130 counter the rotational moment placing the suction cups 140 in tension and are therefore in compression 430 against the wall.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a shelf 500 in accordance with this disclosure. As shown, the shelf 500 has a horizontal surface 510 for supporting a load, a fixation extension 520 extending above the horizontal surface, and three bracing extensions 530 extending below the horizontal surface.

As shown, various numbers of bracing extensions 530 can be provided evenly spaced along a length of the shelf 500. Similarly, an embodiment may be provided with a single bracing extension located centrally below the shelf. The second embodiment of the shelf 500 may otherwise provide features similar to those discussed above with respect to the shelf 100 of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are side views of third and fourth embodiments of a shelf 100 in accordance with this disclosure. The embodiments shown are generally similar to the shelf 100 of FIG. 1, and reference numerals are the same as used in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, at least one of the bracing elements 130 may be provided with a notched opening 600 above the horizontal surface 110, thereby being located in the sidewall 180 of the shelf 100. Such a notched opening 600 may retain a cable, such as a power cable.

As shown in FIG. 8, at least one of the bracing elements 130 may be provided with an opening 700 below the horizontal surface 110 for locating an accessory. Such an accessory may be, for example, a grow light. As such, a base of the grow light may be positioned within the opening 700 and the light itself may extend above the horizontal surface.

While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shelf assembly comprising: a horizontal surface for supporting a load; at least one fixation extension above the horizontal surface; at least one fixation element at the at least one fixation extension for fixing the shelf assembly to a mounting surface; and at least one bracing extension below the horizontal surface for bracing the shelf assembly against the mounting surface; wherein, when installed on a mounting surface, the fixation element is at least partially in tension and the bracing extension is in compression.
 2. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one fixation element is a plurality of fixation elements, each located at a single fixation extension.
 3. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one fixation element is a non-damaging fixation mechanism.
 4. The shelf assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one fixation element is a suction cup.
 5. The shelf assembly of claim 4, wherein the suction cup is clear.
 6. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one bracing extension is a plurality of bracing extensions located at regular intervals along a length of the shelf.
 7. The shelf assembly of claim 6, wherein the plurality of bracing extensions comprises a pair of bracing extensions, each extending from a corresponding end of a length of the shelf.
 8. The shelf assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one fixation extension is a single fixation panel running perpendicular the horizontal surface and parallel the length of the shelf.
 9. The shelf assembly of claim 8, wherein the fixation extension extends from a back edge of the horizontal surface, and wherein the plurality of bracing extensions extend at least partially behind the fixation extension.
 10. The shelf assembly of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of bracing extensions runs perpendicular the horizontal surface and parallel a depth of the shelf and has a diagonal lower edge, such that it extends further below the horizontal surface at a back edge of the shelf than at a front edge of the shelf.
 11. The shelf assembly of claim 10, wherein the bracing extensions extend partially above the horizontal surface and form sidewalls for the shelf.
 12. The shelf assembly of claim 11, wherein at least one of the bracing extensions further comprises a notched opening above the horizontal surface for retaining a cable.
 13. The shelf surface of claim 11, wherein at least one of the bracing extensions further comprises an opening below the horizontal surface for locating an accessory.
 14. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the horizontal surface, the at least one fixation extension, the at least one fixation element, and the at least one bracing extension are formed from clear materials.
 15. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one fixation extension, and the at least one fixation element are formed from clear materials, and the horizontal surface and the at least one bracing extension are formed from opaque materials. 